“Playing together is an important form of communication for families,” explains says PlayScience president Dr. J. Alison Bryant. “They are looking for new ways to have play fit into their hectic daily lives, and touch- screen, mobile devices allow for everyone in the family to play anywhere, anytime.”

Quick stats:

75% of U.S. children ages 2-13 have access to Smart Phones, with 33% of 10-13 year olds owning their own.

50% of kids have access to an iPod Touch device.

Over 25% of kids have access to a tablet device.

25% of kids have access to an eReader.

Co-play isn’t about handing your child your iPhone in the grocery store and hoping it entertains him so you can get through the cereal aisle with some semblance of sanity. {Although we’ve all been there!} It’s about engaging in the app or game along with your child.

For the youngest of mobile game consumers — those itty bitty ones who squeal at Peek-a-Bouncer — coplay involves active engagement and discussion with your child while they play the app or game.

Our newest online game, Sounds Fun, encourages a variety of parent-child interactions! When a new instrument or object pops up on the screen, ask your child to identify the object. All of the instruments have been personified (meaning they have human qualities) — a perfect opportunity to explore emotions with your child. Make statements like “Ooh, that snare drum’s eyes are a little shifty. What do you think he’s feeling?” Create stories about the objects, replicate the sounds and make your own funny noises.

PS: Curious about the tablet device pictured above? It’s a Vinci Tablet, specially designed for babies, toddlers and young kids. It’s recently been made available in the US, and we can’t wait to try one!